Diabetes -- Initial Symptoms, Food and lifestyle changes to avoid.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by the body, not making enough insulin or being unable to use it. The hormone insulin handles the absorption of glucose(sugar in the blood) from the blood to cells. Irregularities in such an important metabolic process cause a rise in glucose levels.

Having high blood sugar for a prolonged period is the most common diabetes early signs.

           Initial Symptoms of diabetes

 

Generally, diabetes early signs and symptoms include:

 

• Frequent urination

 

• Increased hunger

 

• Dry mouth

 

• Fatigue

 

                Types of Diabetes

 

Diabetes classifies into four main types viz:

 

Type 1: This occurs due to the immune system destroying its healthy beta cells in the pancreas. Such an "auto-immune" attack blocks the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes early symptoms include:

 

• Extreme thirst

 

• Bad breath

 

• Constant low energy

 

• Nausea with stomach pain at an advanced stage

 

• Blurred vision in children/adults

 

Type 2: Here, due to "insulin resistance" the cells fail to respond to insulin, causing sugar to build up in your blood. Lack of proper exercise and obesity is the common cause. Type 2 diabetes early signs are:

 

• Slow healing of wounds

 

• Tingling of hands/feet

 

• Unexpected weight loss

 

• Itchiness and rashes

 

• Frequent yeast infections

 

• Areas of darkened skin

 

Gestational: During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that block insulin. This causes insulin resistance leading to the accumulation of glucose in the body. Symptoms include:

 

• Feeling thirstier more often

• Frequent need to pee 
• Fatigue

 

Hypoglycemia: This is a form of diabetes where the blood sugar level drops too low to fuel the body. Symptoms are:

 

• Extreme weakness

• Anxiety

• Dizziness
• Extreme hunger

• Sleepy

 

  Food and Lifestyle changes to avoid

 

Fighting diabetes is all about controlling your blood sugar levels. Foods high in cholesterol, carbs, and fat are the real culprits. Listed below are foods you must avoid and change with healthy options instead.

 

• White Rice: Switch to low carb and fibrous brown rice, black rice, Navara rice, or bamboo rice.

 

• White Bread: Try whole grain and multi-grain bread instead.

 

• Refined Oil: You should instead use mustard, olive, or rice bran oil. They are low in fat and good for the heart.

 

• Sweets: Use artificial sweeteners, dark chocolate, or fruits.

 

• Soda/Sweet beverages: Shun them.

 

• Trans-fat: Use Ghee instead. It helps in digestion and insulin regulation.

 

• Fatty Meat: Fish and chicken are healthy lean meat options in place of unhealthy red meat.

 

Also, adopting a healthy lifestyle prevents diabetes in adults. You must:

 

• Give up smoking and alcohol.

 

• Exercise daily. It keeps the metabolism regulated.

 

• Take up swimming, cycling or running.

 

• Manage your stress. Practice meditation or yoga.

 

• Take care of your heart and get regular medical checkups.